Anytime during the nine week opening is a good time to visit the gardens
since each period has its own blooms. Crocuses, narcissus and hyacinths
are the earliest bloomers followed by early tulips then late tulips.
During this period you are also likely to see azaleas and other spring
flowering shrubs. No matter where you point your camera, you’ll find
breathtaking beauty awaiting you.

With so much natural beauty, the garden is a prized site for both
proposals and wedding photographs. Keukenhof estimates that every day
somebody proposes on “Bride’s Lane” located near the windmill on the
northwestern edge of the park. To capture nuptial memories with
pictures, Keukenhof grants free garden access for the bride, groom,
photographer and bridesmaids. The rest of the wedding party may join
them, but must pay standard admission.

Keukenhof also offers something for the child in all of us. Both young
and older visitors will enjoy navigating the path leading to the elevated viewing stand located somewhere in the seven foot tall
perfectly manicured maze. After climbing the steps and looking out over
the maze to trace your circuitous route to the viewing stand, you can
then plot an exit route. Once out of the maze, follow the path to the
elevated observation point to catch a beautiful view of the ribbons of
flowers in the nearby bulb fields.
Continuing on the path toward the huge Dutch windmill, you should make a
quick stop on the bridge that crosses one of canals to take a picture
of the windmill. Climb the steps to the upper platform of the windmill
then walk around the outside to get a different view of the park. On
your way down, you’ll get a unique perspective and tutorial on how the
windmill works.
Before stopping at the souvenir shop to pick up post
cards and other must have items, exercise your youthful exuberance and
sit inside the big yellow wooden shoe for a photo-op.

Touring Keukenhof Gardens takes about five hours although it would be
wise to plan on spending the entire day to see the gardens and displays
at a more leisurely pace. To rest and refuel, you can take a break for a
full meal or just light refreshments at one of the park’s four
restaurants. All offer the option of inside or alfresco dining. Many
visitors choose to relax on one of the many benches along the garden
pathways or just grab a spot on the grass in the special picnic areas.
You don’t need to be a gardening or photography expert like Elizabeth
Murray to enjoy this garden. Nature’s art as painted on
the Keukenhof Garden canvas is one that can be enjoyed by anyone who
appreciates beauty in wide open spaces.

Getting to Keukenhof Gardens on your own is easy using public
transportation. From Amsterdam’s Centraal Station, take the train to
the Leiden about an hour’s ride away. Train service is also available
from Rotterdam and Utrecht. As soon as you exit the train station
at Leiden, you will see the Keukenhof Express Bus Number 54. The bus
departs every half hour and takes approximately 30 minutes to
reach Keukenhof Gardens.

If you have a long daytime layover at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and
want some fresh air, bus number 58 will take you directly to Keukenhof
from the airport. Carry-on bags can be stored at Hoofdingang entrance to
Keukenhof.